“Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ …” (2 Cor. 2:14).
Newspaper, radio, and television news reports make us keenly aware that we live in a world that is bound for utter defeat and destruction. They also make us aware of the fact that man cannot extricate himself from all the troubles, trials, and tribulations that surround him.
Man is limited, but God has made a way for us to enjoy peace, liberty, happiness, and victory. At times, darkness and distress may seem to be overtaking us, but “… thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ …” (2 Cor. 2:14).
The Apostle Paul said that God always causes us to triumph – not an occasional victory followed by a group of defeats, then another victory. No! God always causes us to triumph!
I want you to understand that this statement was made about people whose faith in God has no limits! Faith brings you to the reality of victory over every circumstance that stands in the way of your success.
Remember when Paul and Silas were in jail with bleeding backs, locked in the innermost part of the prison? It looked like it was all over. But they prayed and began to sing a song of victory. As they sang, every prison door was opened, every captive was set free, and the jailer was brought to his knees in repentance when he saw the miracle-working power of God (Acts 16:22-33)!
Real faith always brings the realization of victory and never defeat! Someone said, “Oh, it sounds too good to be true. Preacher, you’d better watch it. You’re giving them too much hope. Remember, we live in a world where we don’t know what may happen tomorrow.”
No. I don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow in the world. But I know what’s going to happen with me, because the Word of God says that I always triumph in Christ Jesus! The economic world may fall apart, and food may become scarce, but I will never fear because God is my source! And God said that I would always triumph – no matter what comes or goes!
In the face of every obstacle that shouts, “It can’t happen,” we need to stand strong and say, “You say it can’t happen. But the Bible says ‘… If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth'” (Mark 9:23)!
The world can’t believe it. They only see the whipping post, the shackled feet, and the iron prison door. The world never understands the song of victory in the midnight hour. It makes no difference what prison you’re locked in – spiritual death, financial despair, sickness and disease – you can be delivered!
Maybe the reason you aren’t seeing victory is because you’re looking at the circumstances. You’re looking at what has you trapped instead of acting on your faith.
Too many people are waiting for God to do something, but God is waiting on them. For example, the children of Israel stood helpless and in despair with the Red Sea in front of them and the Egyptian army behind them. They cried out to the Lord, then “… the Lord said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward: But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea” (Ex. 14:15,16).
God didn’t say, “Stretch out your rod and I’ll divide the sea.” He told Moses to stretch out his rod and divide the sea!
If you’re in a similar situation today, God is saying the same thing to you: Go forward! You need to get hold of the fact that you have to do something. God has already done all He’s ever going to do.
Someone said, “You mean I have to do it?”
Yes! The power of God will be manifested when you put some action to your faith.
In our own strength, we are limited. But in God there is no limit! We can triumph. Jesus Christ has already purchased victory for us, but you and I must do something about it. If you will dare to believe God, act in faith, and step out on the promises of God, you will triumph!
Excerpt permission granted by Faith Library Publications
Kenneth W. Hagin, President of Kenneth Hagin Ministries and pastor of RHEMA Bible Church, ministers around the world. Known for calling the Body of Christ to steadfast faith, he seizes every ministry opportunity to impart an attitude of “I cannot be defeated, and I will not quit.”
Rev. Hagin began preparing for his call to ministry—a ministry that now spans 50 years—at Southwestern Assemblies of God University. He graduated from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and holds an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Faith Theological Seminary in Tampa, Florida.
In his early years of ministry, Rev. Hagin was an associate pastor and traveling evangelist. Later, he went on to organize and develop RHEMA Bible Training Centers in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and in other countries around the world.
Kenneth W. Hagin’s array of responsibilities also includes International Director of RHEMA Ministerial Association International. He hosts the annual A Call to Arms® Men’s Conference, and with his wife, Lynette, cohosts RHEMA Praise, a weekly television program, and Rhema for Today, a weekday radio program broadcast throughout the United States. They also conduct Living Faith Crusades, spreading the message of faith and healing around the world.
Recognizing the lateness of the hour before the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, Rev. Hagin has expanded his speaking schedule beyond his regular pastoral duties. To fulfill the urgent call of God to prepare the Church for a deeper experience of His Presence, Rev. Hagin delivers messages that reveal key spiritual truths about faith, healing, and other vital subjects. He ministers with a strong healing anointing, and his ministry leads the Body of Christ into a greater experience of the glory of God!
Kenneth W. Hagin and his wife live in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He is the son of the late Kenneth E. Hagin.